Self-assembled dielectric on metal rie lines to increase reliability

ABSTRACT

Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a semiconductor structure including a first conductive wire disposed over a substrate. A dielectric liner is arranged along sidewalls and an upper surface of the first conductive wire and is laterally surrounded by a first dielectric layer. The dielectric liner and the first dielectric layer are different materials. A conductive via is disposed within a second dielectric layer over the first conductive wire. The conductive via has a first lower surface disposed over the first dielectric layer and a second lower surface below the first lower surface and over the first conductive wire.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This Application is a Divisional of U.S. Application number 17/337,753,filed on Jun. 3, 2021, the contents of which are hereby incorporated byreference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

As dimensions and feature sizes of semiconductor integrated circuits(ICs) are scaled down, the density of the elements forming the ICs isincreased and the spacing between elements is reduced. Such spacingreductions are limited by light diffraction of photolithography, maskalignment, isolation and device performance among other factors. As thedistance between any two adjacent conductive features decreases, thecomplexity of fabrication increases and the risk of fabrication errorsincreases. The operating voltage of ICs do not scale at the same pace asfeature sizes decrease, resulting in increasing electric fields insidedevices. Capacitance typically increases, which results in an increasein power consumption and time delay leading to degradation of deviceperformance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of some embodiments of anintegrated chip having self-assembled dielectric liners overlyingconductive wires that are disposed above an inter-level dielectric (ILD)layer with a second conductive via above the conductive wire with aregistration error.

FIG. 2A illustrates a cross-sectional view of some embodiments of anintegrated chip having a plurality of self-assembled dielectric linersoverlying a plurality of conductive wires that are disposed above aninter-level dielectric (ILD) layer with a plurality of second conductivevias above the conductive wires with a registration error.

FIGS. 2B and 2C illustrates a cross-sectional view of some embodimentsof an integrated chip having a plurality of self-assembled dielectricliners overlying a plurality of conductive wires that are disposed abovean inter-level dielectric (ILD) layer with a plurality of secondconductive vias above the plurality of conductive wires with aregistration error where one or more of the plurality of conductivewires have an alternative bottom surface.

FIG. 3-14B illustrate cross-sectional views of some embodiments of amethod of forming an integrated chip having a self-assembled dielectricliner overlying a conductive wire disposed within a low-k dielectricwith a conductive via electrically coupled to the conductive wire withand without registration errors.

FIG. 15 illustrates a flow diagram of some embodiments of a method offorming an integrated chip having a plurality of self-assembleddielectric liners overlying a plurality of conductive wires disposedwithin a second ILD layer with one or more second conductive viaselectrically coupled to the one or more plurality of conductive wires.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following disclosure provides many different embodiments, orexamples, for implementing different features of the provided subjectmatter. Specific examples of components and arrangements are describedbelow to simplify the present disclosure. These are, of course, merelyexamples and are not intended to be limiting. For example, the formationof a first feature over or on a second feature in the description thatfollows may include embodiments in which the first and second featuresare formed in direct contact, and may also include embodiments in whichadditional features may be formed between the first and second features,such that the first and second features may not be in direct contact. Inaddition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/orletters in the various examples. This repetition is for the purpose ofsimplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationshipbetween the various embodiments and/or configurations discussed.

Further, spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,”“above,” “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease ofdescription to describe one element or feature’s relationship to anotherelement(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. The spatiallyrelative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of thedevice in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted inthe figures. The apparatus may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degreesor at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors usedherein may likewise be interpreted accordingly.

ICs may include a number of semiconductor devices (e.g., transistors,memory devices, etc.) disposed over and/or within a semiconductorsubstrate. An interconnect structure may be disposed over thesemiconductor substrate. The interconnect structure may includeconductive features (e.g., conductive wires and conductive vias)disposed within an inter-level dielectric (ILD) structure. During somefabrication processes, including metal reactive-ion etching (RIE),conductive features disposed within an interconnect structure may beexposed to fluorine etchants that can damage the conductive features.Furthermore, registration errors (i.e., overlay errors) duringfabrication can result in shifted conductive features (e.g., conductivevias and/or conductive wires). Shifted conductive features can encroachon unintended areas between interconnect structures.

As a result of conductive features exposed to fluorine etchants, andunintended shifted conductive features, the reliability of ICs can becompromised. For example, the capacitance and/or electric fields betweenadjacent conductive features can be increased. Furthermore, a risk oftime dependent dielectric breakdown (TDDB) failures may also increasedue to intrinsic breakdown of dielectric materials between adjacentconductive wires and/or conductive vias, leading to integrated chipfailure.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards ICswith interconnect structures that include a self-assembled dielectricdisposed on conductive features and configured to reduce registrationerrors (e.g., overlay errors) between adjacent conductive features. Forexample, in some embodiments, after performing a metal RIE to defineconductive features, a self-assembled dielectric liner can beselectively deposited on the conductive features. An inter-leveldielectric (ILD) layer can be deposited above the self-assembleddielectric liner, and subsequently etched to accommodate a conductiveinterconnect structure. As the self-assembled dielectric liner overliesthe conductive features, during etching of the ILD layer, the conductivefeatures are protected from etchants that may include fluorine that candegrade the conductive features. Furthermore, the self-assembleddielectric can comprise a different etching rate relative to thesurrounding ILD layer. As a result, if a registration error occursduring fabrication, resulting in a shifted or misaligned subsequentinterconnect layer, the self-assembled dielectric can minimize oreliminate unintended over-etching of the ILD layer between conductivefeatures, and thereby reduce capacitance, electric field strength,and/or the risk of TDDB between the conductive features.

FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of some embodiments of anintegrated chip 100 having a plurality of self-assembled dielectricliners 124 overlying a plurality of conductive wires 122.

The integrated chip 100 includes a semiconductor device 110 disposedwithin a substrate 102. In some embodiments, the semiconductor device110 comprises source/drain regions 112, 114 disposed within thesubstrate 102. The semiconductor device 110 may further comprise a gatedielectric layer 116 above the substrate 102 and between thesource/drain regions 112, 114 and a gate electrode 118 overlying thegate dielectric layer 116. The gate dielectric layer 116 and gateelectrode 118 are disposed within a first inter-level dielectric (ILD)layer 104. A first conductive via 120 extends from the gate electrode118 to a top of the first ILD layer 104.

A plurality of conductive wires 122 are disposed above the first ILDlayer 104 and within a second ILD layer 106. In some embodiments, theplurality of conductive wires 122 may be laterally offset from oneanother. In some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of conductivewires 122 also overlie and electrically couple to the first conductivevia 120.

A plurality of self-assembled dielectric liners 124 are arranged alongsidewalls and upper surfaces of the plurality of conductive wires 122.The plurality of self-assembled dielectric liners 124 may be arranged onthe plurality of conductive wires 122. The plurality of self-assembleddielectric liners 124 are laterally surrounded by the second ILD layer106 and extend from a bottom surface of the second ILD layer 106 to atop surface of the second ILD layer 106. A third ILD layer 108 isdisposed above the second ILD layer 106.

One or more second conductive vias 126 are disposed within the third ILDlayer 108. The one or more second conductive vias 126 extend from a topsurface of the third ILD layer 108 to below a bottom surface of thethird ILD layer 108 and below the top surface of the second ILD layer106. The one or more second conductive vias 126 contact the plurality ofself-assembled dielectric liners 124 and are electrically coupled to anunderlying one of the plurality of conductive wires 122. In someembodiments, the one or more second conductive vias 126 may laterallystraddle an outer edge of the underlying one of the plurality ofconductive wires 122 due to a registration error (e.g., overlay error).

In some embodiments, the one or more second conductive vias 126respectively have a first and second lower surface, creating a stairstep pattern from the top surface of the second ILD layer 106 to a topsurface of the underlying one of the plurality of conductive wires 122.The first lower surface of the one or more second conductive vias 126overlies the top surface of the second ILD layer 106 and the secondlower surface of the one or more second conductive vias 126 overlies thetop surface of the underlying one of the plurality of conductive wires122. In some embodiments, the second lower surface of the one or moresecond conductive vias 126 also overlies an upper surface of anunderlying one of the plurality of self-assembled dielectric liners 124.A first sidewall of the one or more second conductive vias 126 isarranged along a sidewall of the underlying one of the plurality ofself-assembled dielectric liners 124 between the top surface of theplurality of conductive wires 122 and the third ILD layer 108. A secondsidewall of the one or more second conductive vias 126 is arranged alonga sidewall of the second ILD layer 106.

Because the plurality of self-assembled dielectric liners 124 cover theplurality of conductive wires 122, the plurality of self-assembleddielectric liners 124 are able to protect the plurality of conductivewires 122 from an etchant (e.g., having a fluorine etching chemistry)used to form a via hole within the third ILD layer 108 duringfabrication of the second conductive via 126. Furthermore, the pluralityof self-assembled dielectric liners 124 comprise a material having adifferent removal rate (e.g., etching rate) than the surrounding secondILD layer 106. As a result, the plurality of self-assembled dielectricliners 124 may be removed at a faster rate than the second ILD layer106, and adverse effects from registration errors (e.g., overlay errors)can be minimized. This is because when a misaligned via hole reaches abottom of the third ILD layer 108, it will expose upper surfaces of boththe plurality of self-assembled dielectric liners 124 and the second ILDlayer 106. Removing the plurality of self-assembled dielectric liners124 faster than the second ILD layer 106 provides a good electricalconnection between the one or more second conductive vias 126 and theplurality of conductive wires 122 without significantly damaging thesecond ILD layer 106, thereby mitigating TDDB failures and improvingreliability.

FIG. 2A illustrates a cross-sectional view of some embodiments of anintegrated chip 200 a having a plurality of self-assembled dielectricliners 124 overlying a plurality of conductive wires 122 that aredisposed above a first ILD layer 104 with one or more second conductivevias 126 above the plurality of conductive wires 122 with a registrationerror.

The integrated chip 200 a includes a semiconductor device 110 comprisingsource/drain regions 112, 114 disposed within a substrate 102. In someembodiments, the substrate 102 may, for example, be or comprise a bulksemiconductor substrate (e.g., bulk silicon), a silicon-on-insulator(SOI) substrate, or another suitable substrate material. Thesemiconductor device 110 further comprises a gate dielectric layer 116and a gate electrode 118 disposed within the first ILD layer 104. Afirst conductive via 120 extends from the gate electrode 118 to the topof the first ILD layer 104. In some embodiments, the first ILD layer 104may, for example, be or comprise silicon dioxide (e.g., SiO₂), a low-kdielectric material, an extreme low-k dielectric material, or the like.

A plurality of conductive wires 122 are disposed above the first ILDlayer 104 and within a second ILD layer 106. The plurality of conductivewires 122 are laterally offset from one another. In some embodiments,the first ILD layer 104 may have a recessed upper surface betweenadjacent ones of the plurality of conductive wires 122. In someembodiments, the recessed upper surface may be recessed a non-zerodistance 202 below upper surfaces of the first ILD layer 104 that aredirectly below the plurality of conductive wires 122. In some suchembodiments, the second ILD layer 106 may vertically extend belowbottoms of the plurality of conductive wires 122. In some embodiments,the plurality of conductive wires 122 have angled sidewalls that cause awidth of respective ones of the plurality of conductive wires 122 todecrease as a height over the first ILD layer 104 increases.

In some embodiment, one or more of the plurality of conductive wires 122can overlie and electrically couple to other conductive interconnectstructures. For example, one of the plurality of conductive wires 122can overlie and electrically couple to the first conductive via 120. Insome embodiments, the plurality of conductive wires 122 may, forexample, be or comprise molybdenum (Mo), osmium (Os), iridium (Ir),cobolt (Co), niobium (Nb), platinum (Pt), rhodium (Rh), rhenium (Re),copper (Cu), tungsten (W), chromium (Cr), ruthenium (Ru), vanadium (V),lead (Pd), or the like. In some embodiments, the second ILD layer 106may, for example, be or comprise a dielectric material with a dielectricconstant less than 3.9.

A plurality of self-assembled dielectric liners 124 are arranged alongsidewalls and an upper surface of the plurality of conductive wires 122.In some embodiments, the plurality of self-assembled dielectric liners124 may be arranged on the plurality of conductive wires 122. Theplurality of self-assembled dielectric liners 124 are laterallysurrounded by a second ILD layer 106 and extend from a bottom surface ofthe second ILD layer 106 to a top surface of the second ILD layer 106.In some embodiments, the plurality of self-assembled dielectric liners124 may, for example, be or comprise silicone oxide (SiOx), siliconoxycarbide (SiOC), silicon oxycarbonitride (SiOCN), silicon carbonnitride (SiCN), silicon oxynitride (SiON), silicon carbide (SiC), orsilicon nitride (SiN), or the like.

A third ILD layer 108 is disposed above the second ILD layer 106. Insome embodiments, the third ILD layer 108 may, for example, be orcomprise a dielectric material with a dielectric constant less than 3.9.One or more second conductive vias 126 are disposed within the third ILDlayer 108. In some embodiments, the one or more second conductive vias126 may comprise a plurality of conductive vias. The one or more secondconductive vias 126 extend from a top surface of the third ILD layer 108to below a bottom surface of the third ILD layer 108 and below the topsurface of the second ILD layer 106. In further embodiments, the firstconductive via 120, and the one or more second conductive vias 126 may,for example, respectively be or comprise copper (Cu), ruthenium (Ru),tungsten (W), cobalt (Co), titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al) titanium nitride(TiN), tantalum (Ta), tantalum nitride (TaN), or the like.

The one or more second conductive vias 126 contact one or more of theplurality of self-assembled dielectric liners 124 and electricallycouple to an underlying one of the plurality of conductive wires 122with a registration error (e.g., overlay error). The one or more secondconductive vias 126 have a first and second lower surface, creating astair step pattern from the top surface of the second ILD layer 106 to atop surface of the underlying one of the plurality of conductive wires122. The first lower surface of the one or more second conductive vias126 overlies the top surface of the second ILD layer 106 and the secondlower surface of the one or more second conductive vias 126 overlies thetop surface of the underlying one of the plurality of conductive wires122. In some embodiments, the second lower surface of the one or moresecond conductive vias 126 also overlies an upper surface of anunderlying one of the plurality of self-assembled dielectric liners 124.A first sidewall of the one or more second conductive vias 126 isarranged along a sidewall of the underlying one of the plurality ofself-assembled dielectric liners 124 between the top surface of the oneor more plurality of conductive wires 122 and the third ILD layer 108. Asecond sidewall of the one or more second conductive vias 126 isarranged along a sidewall of the second ILD layer 106.

In some embodiments, an etch stop layer 204 is disposed above the thirdILD layer 108. In some embodiments, the etch stop layer 204 may, forexample, be or comprise a nitride (e.g., silicon nitride), a carbide(e.g., silicon carbide), or the like. In some embodiments, an overlyinginterconnect (not shown) may extend through the etch stop layer 204 tocontact one of the one or more second conductive vias 126.

FIG. 2B illustrates a cross-sectional view of some alternativeembodiments of an integrated chip 200 b having a plurality ofself-assembled dielectric liners 124 overlying a plurality of conductivewires 122.

The integrated chip 200 b includes a plurality of conductive wires 122disposed within a second ILD layer 106 over a substrate 102. One or moresecond conductive vias 126 extend from a top surface of a third ILDlayer 108 to below a bottom surface of the third ILD layer 108 and belowthe top surface of the second ILD layer 106. The one or more secondconductive vias 126 contact a plurality of self-assembled dielectricliners 124 surrounding the plurality of conductive wires 122 and areelectrically coupled to an underlying one of the plurality of conductivewires 122 with a registration error (e.g., overlay error).

In some embodiments, the one or more second conductive vias 126 comprisea first, a second, and a third lower surface 206 a, 206 b, and 206 crespectively. The first lower surface 206 a is below a top surface ofthe second ILD layer 106 laterally offset from the plurality ofself-assembled dielectric liners 124 and above a top surface of anunderlying one of the plurality of conductive wires 122. The secondlower surface 206 b overlies a top surface of the underlying one of theplurality of conductive wires 122, and is below the first lower surface206 a. The third lower surface 206 c is below the first and second lowersurfaces 206 a, 206 b, and overlies an upper surface of the plurality ofself-assembled dielectric liners 124.

A first sidewall of the one or more second conductive vias 126 isarranged along a sidewall of the plurality of self-assembled dielectricliners 124 between the top surface of the underlying one of theplurality of conductive wires 122 and the third ILD layer 108. In someembodiments, the first sidewall may be laterally offset from a sidewallof the third ILD layer 108 by a non-zero distance 208. In otherembodiments, the first sidewall may be substantially aligned with thesidewall of the third ILD layer 108 (not depicted). A second sidewall ofthe one or more second conductive vias 126 is arranged along a sidewallof the second ILD layer 106. A third sidewall of the one or more secondconductive via 126 is arranged along a sidewall of the underlying one ofplurality of conductive wires 122. The lower surfaces 206 a, 206 b, and206 c can occur as a result of etching of the second ILD layer 106 andthe plurality of self-assembled dielectric liners 124 where the secondILD layer 106 and the plurality of self-assembled dielectric liners 124have differing etch rates.

FIG. 2C illustrates a cross-sectional view of some alternativeembodiments of an integrated chip 200 c having a plurality ofself-assembled dielectric liners 124 overlying a plurality of conductivewires 122. Integrated chip 200 c shows several alternative embodimentsrelative to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B. One or more of the alternativeembodiments, or any combination thereof from integrated chip 200 c canapply to integrated chips 200 a and 200 b.

Integrated chip 200 c comprises a plurality of diffusion barriers 210disposed above a first ILD layer 104 and within a second ILD layer 106.The plurality of diffusion barriers 210 are laterally offset from oneanother. In some embodiment, one or more of the plurality of diffusionbarriers 210 can overlie and electrically couple to other conductiveinterconnect structures, for example, the first conductive via 120. Insome embodiments, the plurality of diffusion barriers 210 may, forexample, be or comprise titanium (Ti), titanium (TiN), tantalum (Ta),tantalum nitride (TaN), or the like.

A plurality of conductive wires 122 overlie and electrically couple tothe plurality of diffusion barriers 210 within the second ILD layer 106.The plurality of conductive wires 122 are laterally offset from oneanother. The plurality of conductive wires 122 are defined by atrapezoidal shape where a top width of a top surface of the plurality ofconductive wires 122 is less than a bottom width of a bottom surface ofthe plurality of conductive wires 122. Furthermore, bottom edges of theplurality of conductive wires 122 extend laterally to top edges of theplurality of diffusion barriers 210. In some embodiments, the pluralityof diffusion barriers 210 may be configured to prevent diffusion of adiffusive species (e.g., copper and/or aluminum) from the plurality ofconductive wires 122 to surrounding structures.

A plurality of self-assembled dielectric liners 124 are arranged alongsidewalls and an upper surface of the plurality of conductive wires 122.The plurality of self-assembled dielectric liners 124 have uppermostedges and bottommost edges where the bottommost edges are further apartfrom one another than the uppermost edges. The plurality ofself-assembled dielectric liners 124 are laterally surrounded by thesecond ILD layer 106 and extend from the bottom surface of the pluralityof conductive wires 122 to a top surface of the second ILD layer 106. Insome embodiments, a thickness of a horizontal component of the pluralityof self-assembled dielectric liners 124 along sidewalls of the pluralityof conductive wires 122 can be different (e.g., greater than) than athickness of a vertical component of the plurality of self-assembleddielectric liners 124 directly over the plurality of conductive wires122. In further embodiments, the plurality of self-assembled dielectricliners 124 extend from a bottom surface of the second ILD layer 106 tothe top surface of the second ILD layer 106 (not depicted).

A third ILD layer 108 is disposed above the second ILD layer 106 and theplurality of self-assembled dielectric liners 124. One or more secondconductive vias 126 are disposed within the third ILD layer 108. The oneor more second conductive vias 126 extend from a top surface of thethird ILD layer 108 to below a bottom surface of the third ILD layer 108and below the top surface of the second ILD layer 106. The one or moresecond conductive vias 126 are of a trapezoidal shape where a top widthof a top surface of the one or more second conductive vias 126 isgreater than a bottom width of a bottom surface of the plurality ofsecond conductive vias 126. Furthermore, the bottom surface of the oneor more second conductive vias 126 is laterally between outermost edgesof one or more of the plurality of conductive wires 122 and betweenoutermost edges of one or more of the plurality of self-assembleddielectric liners 124.

The one or more second conductive vias 126 contact one or more of theplurality of self-assembled dielectric liners 124 and electricallycouple to one or more of the plurality of conductive wires 122. In someembodiments, the one or more second conductive vias 126 may haveoutermost sidewalls that are completely confined over an underlying oneof the plurality of conductive wires 122. In some embodiments, the oneor more second conductive vias 126 may be formed without a substantialregistration error (e.g., with approximately no overlay error).

FIG. 3-14B illustrate cross-sectional views 300-1400b of someembodiments of a method of forming an integrated chip having aself-assembled dielectric liner overlying a conductive wire disposedwithin a low-k dielectric with a conductive via electrically coupled tothe conductive wire with and without registration errors. Although thecross-sectional views 300-1400b shown in FIG. 3-14B are described withreference to a method, it will be appreciated that the structures shownin FIG. 3-14B are not limited to the method but rather may stand aloneseparate of the method. Furthermore, although FIG. 3-14B are describedas a series of acts, it will be appreciated that these acts are notlimited in that the order of the acts can be altered in otherembodiments, and the methods disclosed are also applicable to otherstructures. In other embodiments, some acts that are illustrated and/ordescribed may be omitted in whole or in part. Also, alternativeembodiments depicted in FIGS. 2A-2C may be substituted for embodimentsin FIG. 3-14B although they may not be shown.

As shown in cross-sectional view 300 of FIG. 3 , a first conductive via120 is formed over a semiconductor device 110 within a first ILD layer104. The first conductive via 120 extends from the semiconductor device110 to a top of the first ILD layer 104. In some embodiments, the firstconductive via 120 may be directly electrically coupled to, and/ordirectly contact the semiconductor device 110 disposed within the firstILD layer 104. In some embodiments, the first conductive via 120 may beformed by a single damascene process.

In some embodiments, a single damascene process for forming the firstconductive via 120 may include: depositing (e.g., by chemical vapordeposition (CVD), physical vapor deposition (PVD), atomic layerdeposition (ALD), etc.) the first ILD layer 104 over a substrate 102.Then patterning the first ILD layer 104 to define a lower conductivefeature opening within the first ILD layer 104. Then depositing (e.g.,by PVD, CVD, ALD, etc.) a conductive material within the lowerconductive feature opening, and performing a planarization process(e.g., a chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) process) into theconductive material.

A conductive layer 304 is deposited over the first ILD layer 104 and thefirst conductive via 120. In some embodiments the conductive layer 304may, for example, be deposited by PVD, CVD or ALD. In some embodiments,the conductive layer 304 may be formed at a temperature of 10° to 400°C., or another suitable growth or deposition process to a thicknessranging between 200 to 500 angstroms. A hard mask layer 302 is depositedover the conductive layer 304. In some embodiments, forming the hardmask layer 302 may include depositing a hard mask material over theconductive layer 304 and patterning the hard mask material to define thehard mask layer 302 with a plurality of sidewalls defining a pluralityof openings (not shown) over the conductive layer 304. In furtherembodiments, the hard mask layer 302 may, for example, be or comprisetitanium (Ti), tantalum (Ta), tantalum nitride (TaN), titanium nitride(TiN), aluminum (Al), another conductive material, or any combination ofthe foregoing by a PVD, CVD or ALD at a temperature of 10 to 400Celsius, or another suitable growth or deposition process at a thicknessof 80 to 150 angstroms.

As shown in cross-sectional view 400 of FIG. 4 , an etching process isperformed on the conductive layer (304 of FIG. 3 ) according to the hardmask layer (302 of FIG. 3 ), thereby forming a plurality of conductivewires 122 and a plurality of residual hard masks 402 above the pluralityof conductive wires 122. In some embodiments, the etching processincludes performing a dry etch process such as a reactive-ion etching(RIE) process. In some such embodiments, the dry etching process caninclude a chlorine-based etchant. The plurality of conductive wires 122are laterally separated from one another. In some embodiments, an etchrate of the conductive layer (304 of FIG. 3 ) is ten times faster ormore than an etch rate of the hard mask layer (302 of FIG. 3 ) (i.e.hard mask layer 302 to conductive layer 304 etch selectivity of 10:1 orgreater). In further embodiments, an etch rate of the first ILD layer104 is eight times faster or more than the etch rate of the conductivelayer (304 of FIG. 3 ) (i.e. conductive layer 304 to first ILD layer 104etch selectivity of 8:1 or greater)

As shown in cross-sectional view 500 of FIG. 5 , a wet removal processis performed to remove the plurality of residual hard mask (402 of FIG.4 ) from above the plurality of conductive wires 210 a. In someembodiments, the wet removal process may, for example, include exposingthe residual hard mask (402 of FIG. 4 ) with hydrogen iodide (DI),hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), water (H2O), hydrofluoric acid (HF),di-hydrogen phosphate (H2PO4), hydrochloric acid (HCl), vinylhydroperoxide (CH2CHOOH), sulfuric acid (H2SO4), nitric acid (HNO3), oranother suitable cleaning agent. Each of the plurality of conductivewires 210 a are defined by a pair of sidewalls in the vertical directionconnected by a top surface in the horizontal direction.

As shown in cross-sectional view 600 of FIG. 6 , a plurality ofself-assembled dielectric liners 124 are deposited on the plurality ofconductive wires 122. The plurality of self-assembled dielectric liners124 are deposited along the pair of sidewalls in the vertical directionand the top surface in the horizontal direction of the plurality ofconductive wires 122.

In some embodiments, the plurality of self-assembled dielectric liners124 may, for example, be deposited by PVD, CVD, ALD, plasma enhanced CVD(PECVD), or plasma enhanced ALD (PEALD) at a temperature of 180° to 350°C., or another suitable growth or deposition process to a thickness of20 to 100 angstroms. In further embodiments, the plurality ofself-assembled dielectric liners 124 can be selectively deposited in amanner such that they form on the plurality of conductive wires 122. Theselectively deposited plurality of self-assembled dielectric liners 124undergo a material deposition process by which a metal surface of theplurality of conductive wires 122 reacts with a precursor of theplurality of self-assembled dielectric liners 124 forming physicalabsorption or chemical bonding with the metal surface. As such, theselectively deposited plurality of self-assembled dielectric liners 124are self-assembled to the metal surface of the plurality of conductivewires 122.

As shown in cross-sectional view 700 of FIG. 7 , a second ILD layers 106is deposited over the first ILD layer 104 and over/between the pluralityof self-assembled dielectric liners 124. In some embodiments, the secondILD layer 106 may, for example, be formed by CVD, ALD, a spin coating,or another suitable deposition or growth process. In furtherembodiments, an etch rate of the plurality of self-assembled dielectricliners 124 is 10 times faster or more than an etch rate of the secondILD layer 106 (i.e. second ILD layer 106 to plurality of self-assembleddielectric liners 124 etch selectivity of 10:1 or greater)

As shown in cross-sectional view 800 of FIG. 8 , a planarization process(e.g., a CMP process) is performed into the second ILD layer 106. Theplanarization process causes the second ILD layer 106 to have a topsurface that is substantially aligned with top surfaces of the pluralityof self-assembled dielectric liners 124.

As shown in cross-sectional view 900 of FIG. 9 , a third ILD layer 108is deposited over the plurality of self-assembled dielectric liners 124and over the second ILD layer 106. In some embodiments, the third ILDlayer 108 may, for example, be formed by CVD, ALD, a spin coating, oranother suitable deposition or growth process. In further embodiments,an etch rate of the third ILD layer 108 is five times faster or morethan the etch rate of the second ILD layer 106 and the etch rate of theplurality of self-assembled dielectric liners 124 (i.e. second ILD layer106 and plurality of self-assembled dielectric liners 124 to third ILDlayer 108 etch selectivity of 5:1 or greater).

Cross-sectional view 1000 a of FIG. 10A, and 1000 b of FIG. 10B showfurther processing steps of cross-sectional views without registrationerrors and with registration errors respectively.

As shown in cross-sectional views 1000 a-1000 b of FIGS. 10A-10B, amasking layer 1001 is formed over the third ILD layer 108. In someembodiments, the masking layer 1001 may comprise a hard mask layer 1002a deposited over the third ILD layer 108. In some embodiments, a photoresist layer 1004 a may be used to pattern the hard mask layer 1002 a.The hard mask layer 1002 a and photo resist layer 1004 a can be formedby CVD, PVD, or an ALD process. The masking layer 1001 has sidewallsdefining openings 1006 a that expose an upper surface of the third ILDlayer 108. In some embodiments, shown in cross-sectional view 1000 a ofFIG. 10A, the openings 1006alaterally straddle a sidewall of anunderlying one of the plurality of conductive wires 122. In otherembodiments, shown in cross-sectional view 1000 b of FIG. 10B, openings1006 b are completely confined above an underlying conductive wire 122so that the opening 1006 b do not laterally straddle a sidewall of anunderlying one of the plurality of conductive wires 122.

As shown in cross-sectional view 1100 a of FIG. 11A and cross-sectionalview 1100 b of FIG. 11B the third ILD layer 108 is etched according tothe masking layer (1001 of FIGS. 10A-10B) to define via openings 1102 aand 1102 b without registration errors and with registration errorsrespectively. The via openings 1102 a, 1102 b extend through the thirdILD layer 108 to a top surface of the plurality of self-assembleddielectric liners 124 and the second ILD layer 106. In some embodiments,the third ILD layer 108 may, for example, be etched with a capacitivelycoupled plasma RIE (CCP RIE) process. In some such embodiments, the CCPRIE process may use a power supply at 100 to 2000 watts, or below 300watts, or other suitable values. In further embodiments, the CCP RIEprocess includes ionization of electrons in a gas, the gas may includetetrafluoromethane (CF4), fluoroform (CHF3), methyl fluoride (CH3F),difluoromethane (CH2F2), octafluorocyclobutane (C4F8), hexafluorobutadiene (C4F6), dinitrogen (N2), dihydrogen (H2), dioxygen (O2), argon(Ar), or another gas or combination of gasses. After etching of thethird ILD layer 108, the masking layer (1001 of FIGS. 10A-10B) can beremoved by way of an etching process, a plasma process, a planarizationprocess, or the like.

As shown in cross-sectional view 1200 a of FIG. 12A and cross-sectionalview 1200 b of FIG. 12B parts of the plurality of self-assembleddielectric liners 124 are removed to expose the plurality of conductivewires 122. In cross-sectional view 1200 a, one or more of the pluralityof self-assembled dielectric liners 124 are removed such that sidewallsof one or more of the plurality of self-assembled dielectric liners 124are exposed, and an uppermost surface of one or more of the plurality ofconductive wires 122 is exposed. In cross-sectional view 1200 b, one ormore of the plurality of self-assembled dielectric liners 124 areremoved such that a sidewall and a top surface of one or more of theplurality of self-assembled dielectric liners 124 are exposed, and anuppermost surface of one or more of the plurality of conductive wires122 are exposed, and a sidewall and top surface of the second ILD layer106 is exposed.

In some embodiments one or more of the plurality of self-assembleddielectric liners 124 may, for example, be removed with a CCP RIEprocess with a power supply at 500 to 1000 watts, or at 100 to 300watts, or other suitable values. In further embodiments, the CCP RIEprocess includes ionization of electrons in a gas, the gas may includedinitrogen (N2), dihydrogen (H2), dioxygen (O2), Argon (Ar), and helium(He) or the like. Additionally, in some embodiments, the CCP RIE processmay, for example, be removed by a wet etch process.

As shown in cross-sectional view 1300 a of FIG. 13A and 1300 b of FIG.13B a conductive material 1302 a is deposited over the plurality ofself-assembled dielectric liners 124, plurality of conductive wires 122,second ILD layer 106 and third ILD layer 108, such that the conductivematerial 1302 a fills the via openings 1102 a, 1102 b. In someembodiments, the conductive material 1302 a may, for example, bedeposited by CVD, PVD, electroless plating, electro plating, sputtering,or another suitable deposition or growth process.

As shown in cross-sectional view 1400 a of FIG. 14A, and 1400 b of FIG.14B, a planarization process (e.g., a CMP process) is performed into theconductive material 1302 a, thereby defining one or more secondconductive vias 126. The one or more second conductive vias 126 aredisposed within the third ILD layer 108 and extend from a top surface ofthe third ILD layer 108 to below a bottom surface of the third ILD layer108 and below the top surface of the second ILD layer 106. In someembodiments, an etch stop layer 204 may be deposited above the one ormore second conductive vias 126 and the third ILD layer 108.

The one or more second conductive vias 126 in cross-sectional view 1400a are electrically coupled to one or more of the plurality of conductivewires 122 without a substantial registration error. The one or moresecond conductive vias 126 are of a trapezoidal shape where a top widthof a top surface of the one or more second conductive vias 126 isgreater than a bottom width of a bottom surface of the one or moresecond conductive vias 126. Furthermore, a bottom surface of the one ormore second conductive vias 126 is laterally between outermost edges ofone or more of the plurality of conductive wires 122 and betweenoutermost edges of one or more of the plurality of self-assembleddielectric liners 124.

The one or more second conductive vias 126 in cross-sectional view 1400b are electrically coupled to one or more of the plurality of conductivewires 122 with a registration error. The one or more second conductivevias 126 have a first and second lower surface, creating a stair steppattern from the top surface of the second ILD layer 106 to a topsurface of one or more of the plurality of conductive wires 210 a. Thefirst lower surface of the one or more second conductive vias 126overlies the top surface of the second ILD layer 106 and the secondlower surface of the one or more second conductive vias 126 overlies thetop surface of the one or more plurality of conductive wires 122. Thesecond lower surface of the one or more second conductive vias 126 alsooverlies an upper surface of the one or more plurality of self-assembleddielectric liners 124. A first sidewall of the one or more secondconductive vias 126 is arranged along a sidewall of the one or moreplurality of self-assembled dielectric liners 124 between the topsurface of the one or more plurality of conductive wires 122 and thethird ILD layer 108. A second sidewall of the one or more secondconductive vias 126 is arranged along a sidewall of the second ILD layer106.

FIG. 15 illustrates a flow diagram of some embodiments of a method 1500of forming an integrated chip having a plurality of self-assembleddielectric liners 124 overlying a plurality of conductive wires 122disposed within a second ILD layer 106 with one or more secondconductive vias 126 electrically coupled to the one or more plurality ofconductive wires 122. Although the method 1500 is illustrated and/ordescribed as a series of acts or events, it will be appreciated that themethod 1500 is not limited to the illustrated ordering or acts. Thus, insome embodiments, the acts may be carried out in different orders thanillustrated, and/or may be carried out concurrently. Further, in someembodiments, the illustrated acts or events may be subdivided intomultiple acts or events, which may be carried out at separate times orconcurrently with other acts or sub-acts. In some embodiments, someillustrated acts or events may be omitted, and other un-illustrated actsor events may be included.

At act 1502, a conductive layer is formed over a first ILD layer. FIG. 3illustrates a cross-sectional view 300 corresponding to some embodimentsof act 1502.

At act 1504, the conductive layer is etched to form a plurality ofconductive wires over the ILD layer such that a plurality of openingsare disposed between the conductive wires. FIGS. 3 through 5 illustratecross-sectional views 300 through 500 corresponding to some embodimentsof act 1504.

At act 1506, a plurality of self-assembled dielectric liners are formedon the plurality of conductive wires. FIG. 6 illustrates cross-sectionalview 600 corresponding to some embodiments of act 1506.

At act 1508, a second ILD layer is formed over and between the pluralityof self-assembled dielectric liners. FIGS. 7 and 8 illustratecross-sectional views 700 and 800 corresponding to some embodiments ofact 1508.

At act 1510, a third ILD layer is formed over the plurality ofself-assembled dielectric liners and second ILD layer. FIG. 9illustrates cross-sectional view 900 corresponding to some embodimentsof act 1510.

At act 1512, via openings are etched in the third ILD layer to expose anupper surface of the plurality of self-assembled dielectric liners or toexpose the upper surface of the self-assembled dielectric liners and anupper surface of the second ILD layer. FIGS. 10A and 10B illustratecross-sectional views 1000 a and 1000 b corresponding to someembodiments of act 1512. FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate cross-sectionalviews 1100 a and 1100 b corresponding to some alternative embodiments ofact 1512.

At act 1514, the plurality of self-assembled dielectric liners areetched to extend the via openings and expose a top surface of theplurality of conductive wires. FIG. 12A illustrates a cross-sectionalview 1200 a corresponding to some embodiments of act 1514. FIG. 12Billustrates a cross-sectional view 1200 b corresponding to somealternative embodiments of act 1514.

At act 1516, one or more second conductive vias are formed in the viaopenings such that the one or more second conductive vias electricallycouple to one or more of the plurality of conductive wires. FIGS. 13Aand 14A illustrate cross-sectional views 1300 a and 1400 a correspondingto some embodiments of act 1516. FIGS. 13B and 14B illustratecross-sectional views 1300 b and 1400 b corresponding to someembodiments of act 1516.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to anintegrated chip having ICs a self-assembled dielectric disposed onconductive features and configured to reduce registration errors (e.g.,overlay errors) between adjacent conductive features. Although FIGS. 1through 15 describe the plurality of self-assembled dielectric liners124 as being formed along surfaces of the plurality of conductive wires122, it is appreciated that the plurality of self-assembled dielectricliners 124 could be formed along the surface of various interconnects,for example wires, vias, and the like.

In various embodiments, the present application provides a semiconductorstructure including a first conductive wire disposed over a substrate; adielectric liner arranged along sidewalls and an upper surface of thefirst conductive wire and laterally surrounded by a first dielectriclayer, the dielectric liner and the first dielectric layer beingdifferent materials; and a conductive via disposed within a seconddielectric layer over the first conductive wire, the conductive viahaving a first lower surface disposed over the first dielectric layerand a second lower surface below the first lower surface and over thefirst conductive wire.

In various embodiments, the present application provides an integratedchip including a first interconnect over a substrate; a dielectric linercovering sidewalls and an upper surface of the first interconnect; afirst dielectric layer laterally surrounding the first interconnect; anda second interconnect disposed within a second dielectric layer over thefirst dielectric layer, the first interconnect vertically extendingthrough the dielectric liner to the second interconnect.

In various embodiments, the present application provides a method offorming a semiconductor device, including forming a first inter-leveldielectric (ILD) layer over a substrate; forming a conductive layer overthe first ILD layer; patterning the conductive layer to define aconductive wire; selectively depositing a dielectric liner ontosidewalls and an upper surface of the conductive wire; forming a firstdielectric layer to laterally surround the dielectric liner andconductive wire; forming a second dielectric layer above the firstdielectric layer; etching the second dielectric and etching thedielectric liner to define a via opening; and forming a conductive viain the via opening over the conductive wire.

The foregoing outlines features of several embodiments so that thoseskilled in the art may better understand the aspects of the presentdisclosure. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they mayreadily use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifyingother processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes and/orachieving the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein.Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalentconstructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the presentdisclosure, and that they may make various changes, substitutions, andalterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A semiconductor structure comprising: a firstconductive wire disposed over a substrate; a dielectric liner arrangedalong sidewalls and an upper surface of the first conductive wire andlaterally surrounded by a first dielectric layer, wherein the dielectricliner and the first dielectric layer are different materials; and aconductive via disposed within a second dielectric layer over the firstconductive wire, wherein the conductive via has a first lower surfacedisposed over the first dielectric layer and a second lower surfacebelow the first lower surface and over the first conductive wire.
 2. Thesemiconductor structure of claim 1, wherein the conductive via extendsthrough the dielectric liner and has a bottommost surface that islaterally between outermost edges of the first conductive wire andbetween outermost edges of the dielectric liner.
 3. The semiconductorstructure of claim 1, wherein the second lower surface of the conductivevia is laterally outside of a top of the first conductive wire.
 4. Thesemiconductor structure of claim 1, wherein the second lower surfacecontacts the first conductive wire.
 5. The semiconductor structure ofclaim 1, wherein the conductive via has a sidewall arranged between thefirst lower surface and the second lower surface.
 6. The semiconductorstructure of claim 1, wherein the dielectric liner contacts an outersidewall of the conductive via.
 7. The semiconductor structure of claim1, wherein the dielectric liner is between a topmost surface of theconductive wire and a bottommost surface of the second dielectric layer.8. The semiconductor structure of claim 1, wherein the dielectric linercomprises silicon and one or more of carbon, oxygen, or nitrogen.
 9. Anintegrated chip comprising: a first interconnect over a substrate; adielectric liner covering sidewalls and an upper surface of the firstinterconnect; a first dielectric layer laterally surrounding the firstinterconnect; and a second interconnect disposed within a seconddielectric layer over the first dielectric layer, wherein the secondinterconnect vertically extends through the dielectric liner to thesecond interconnect.
 10. The integrated chip of claim 9, wherein thefirst interconnect directly contacts one or more sidewalls of thedielectric liner.
 11. The integrated chip of claim 9, wherein thedielectric liner continuously extends from below a bottommost surface ofthe second interconnect to above the bottommost surface of the secondinterconnect.
 12. The integrated chip of claim 9, wherein the secondinterconnect has a first sidewall and an opposing second sidewall asviewed in a cross-sectional view, the first sidewall extending below abottom of the second sidewall.
 13. The integrated chip of claim 9,wherein the second interconnect laterally extends from along a sidewallof the dielectric liner, to over a top surface of the firstinterconnect, over an upper surface of the dielectric liner, and over atop surface of the first dielectric layer.
 14. The integrated chip ofclaim 9, wherein the dielectric liner is arranged along outermostsidewalls of the first interconnect, a top surface of the firstinterconnect, and sidewalls of the second interconnect.
 15. Theintegrated chip of claim 9, further comprising: an inter-leveldielectric (ILD) layer separating the first interconnect from thesubstrate; and wherein the dielectric liner extends from a top surfaceof the ILD layer to a bottom surface of the second dielectric layer, thedielectric liner covering a top surface of the first interconnect suchthat the first interconnect is separated from the second dielectriclayer by the dielectric liner.
 16. The integrated chip of claim 9,wherein a horizontally extending surface of the dielectric liner isabove the first interconnect and laterally extends past one or moreouter sidewalls of the first interconnect.
 17. A semiconductor devicecomprising: a first conductive wire disposed over a substrate; a firstdielectric layer laterally surrounding the first conductive wire; aconductive via disposed within a second dielectric layer over the firstconductive wire; a dielectric liner disposed between the firstconductive wire and the first dielectric layer, wherein the dielectricliner comprises a first surface that meets the conductive via at alocation laterally offset from the first conductive wire; and thedielectric liner comprises a second surface that extends from a topsurface of the first conductive wire to a top surface of the firstdielectric layer, and extends along a sidewall of the conductive via.18. The semiconductor device of claim 17, wherein the conductive viacomprises a lower surface that meets the first dielectric layer at alocation that is laterally offset from the dielectric liner.
 19. Thesemiconductor device of claim 17, wherein the first dielectric layer isdisposed along a sidewall of the conductive via that is opposite of thesecond surface of the dielectric liner.
 20. The semiconductor device ofclaim 19, wherein the conductive via extends along the first dielectriclayer, the dielectric liner, and the first conductive wire.